Be an Ironman

MANILA, Philippines - The triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling and running. In a triathlon, speed during transition — removing the wetsuit, putting on the helmet, putting on the rubber shoes — is essential.

That’s why Zoot, the technologically advanced and most complete multi-sport product line in the world was born in 1983.

Founded in Kona, Hawaii —home of the Ironman Triathlon World Championships — Zoot Sports began making performance apparel to cater to elite athletes competing in the emerging sport of triathlon. A woman from Kona by the name of Christal Nylin noticed that athletes competing in Ironman needed something more functional to race in after watching triathletes change from their swimsuits to their cycling ear and running gear. Thus she developed the first trisuit by sewing a running singlet to a swimsuit bottom. In other words, it was a solution to avoid “changing areas” during competition. That’s what Zoot continues to develop today: to find product solutions for multisport athletes.

Just over two years ago, Zoot began to apply their endurance sport experience and philosophy to footwear. Innovation and an “athlete first” approach has guided Zoot in developing some of the best footwear on the market. After exploding onto the triathlon scene with some of the first tri-specific shoe models, Zoot has begun developing running shoes that are being equally heralded in the world of running.

Most running shoes are built from the bottom up — build cushioning, support, and then add the upper. At Zoot, innovation starts with the fit. It means building the fastest shoe in transition and one that fits best over a long haul.

For triathletes, laces can be a time drag. And so Zoot started with the barefit technology that allowed triathletes to go sockless, decreasing their time in transition even more. The shoes are smooth on the inside, no seams, making the feel exceptional with or without socks. These tri-shoes limit water retention and feel light. The lining of the shoe has Smart Silver antimicrobial fibers to battles odor and reduce hot spots. The air mesh upper provides a snug fit while actively accommodating foot swelling during a race.

And with virtually no weight in the upper, Zoot built a bottom that triathletes can feel under their feet. With this concept, feet hurt less while running fast. For 25 years, Zoot has pioneered innovative product solutions to cover the athlete from start to finish and from head to toe. Zoot continues to draw on its history in the sport and its athletes to deliver the most comprehensive, technologically advanced and complete multi-sport product line in the world.

Zoot shoes and apparel are available at all Planet Sports shops.